The administration should remain alert to cope with any possible flooding: Chief Secretary Punjab

Lahore: Chief Secretary Punjab Khizar Hayat Gondal has said that the federal and provincial departments should enhance coordination regarding flood management so that any untoward situation could be dealt with effectively.

He was presiding over a high-level meeting on flood management here on Wednesday.

The Chief Secretary said that better planning and coordinated efforts can help cope with natural disaster like flood. He said that it is the prime responsibility of the government to protect life and property of people and no compromise can be made in this regard.

The meeting was briefed on flow of rivers and inflow and outflow at Tarbela and Mangla dams.

Representative of Metrological Department told the meeting that water flow in River Ravi is 22000 cusses and there is no threat of flood in Lahore.

Those among present were: Secretary Irrigation, Secretary I&C, Commissioner Lahore, officers of Ministry of Water and Power, WAPDA, IRSA, Tarbela and Mangla Dam and DCO Lahore.

Earlier, the Chief Secretary also chaired a meeting to review flood situation in the province.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Secretary said that monitoring of flood is being done on regular basis and the situation is completely under control. He said that no loss of life has been reported in the province due to floods so far but the administration of all districts has been put on alert to cope with any possible flooding.

The Chief Secretary also directed Additional Chief Secretary Syed Mubashir Raza to oversee the arrangements for draining rainwater in big cities, saying that special measures should be taken for removing rainwater from low-lying areas.

Secretary Irrigation told the meeting that all embankments are strong and there is no threat of dyke rupture in any area.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Irrigation, Secretary Information, Commissioner Lahore, DCO Lahore and other officers.